Proverbs

⁴To you, O men, I call, and my voice is directed to the sons of men. ⁵O you simple and thoughtless ones, understand prudence; you [self-confident] fools, be of an understanding heart. [Isa. 32:6.] ⁶Hear, for I will speak excellent and princely things; and the opening of my lips shall be for right things. ⁷For my mouth shall utter truth, and wrongdoing is detestable and loathsome to my lips. ⁸All the words of my mouth are righteous (upright and in right standing with God); there is nothing contrary to truth or crooked in them. ⁹They are all plain to him who understands [and opens his heart], and right to those who find knowledge [and live by it]. ¹⁰Receive my instruction in preference to [striving for] silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,